News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | September 19, 2026
Local News
More thefts from unlocked vehicles taking place in New Kent
Despite frequent warnings from the New Kent Sheriff’s Office that owners who leave their vehicles unlocked overnight are providing an open invitation to thieves, a number of county residents still have not gotten the message. Another round of thefts of items from unlocked vehicles occurred overnight on Sept. 9 in The Colonies subdivision in Lanexa and the Brickshire subdivision near Providence Forge. The incident marked the second time in recent weeks that thieves have struck in Brickshire. The sheriff’s office continues to urge all residents to develop a habit of locking their vehicles overnight. And authorities ask that if anyone…
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Hoover, circuit court judge for Charles City and New Kent, announces retirement
Thomas B. Hoover, honorable judge of Charles City and New Kent Circuit Court, is announcing his retirement effective Dec. 31 of this year. Hoover confirmed his decision during a Sept. 11 interview, saying it was time for him to try something new. “Twenty years on the bench is plenty of time to serve,” he said. Hoover’s career began as New Kent County Commonwealth’s Attorney from 1980-93. In 1993, he assumed the role as judge of New Kent Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. In 1997, Hoover was appointed as circuit court judge for the 9th Judicial Circuit in Virginia. Hoover reflected…
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New Kent to join regional communications emergency system
Emergency services in New Kent may be receiving a massive upgrade after supervisors unanimously approved to enter negotiations to join a regional radio communications grid. Wednesday morning’s decision comes on the heels of an eight-month study conducted by Mike McGannon, a manager of Wireless Systems at Consulting Engineering Associates Inc. McGannon, along with representatives from Motorola Inc., Gloucester County, York County, and Williamsburg-James City County, presented results of the study and recommendations to local supervisors. That study revealed New Kent is only covering about 80 percent of the county when it comes to emergency communications contact. By comparison, the proposed…
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Charles City schools receive after school program grants
Virginia’s State Department of Education has awarded Charles City County public schools two $188,000 21 Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grants. The three-year grants are used to serve students and families of the county. Director of Special Programs Dr. Patricia Alexander collaborated with nationally-recognized after school curriculum leader Global Learning to design the Children and Family Enrichment (CAFE) program model for the grant. “These grants will provide students and families in Charles City access to learning and enrichment experiences otherwise unavailable,” said the president of Global Learning. CAFE offers free after school and summer school programs that provide academic enrichment,…
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New Kent SOL test scores above state average
New Kent County students continue to excel on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, exceeding the state average in most categories. Director of instructional technology, testing, and accountability Ross Miller delivered the news during New Kent’s regular school board meeting Monday night. In a letter addressed to the school board, students at George Watkins Elementary exceeded the state average in nine out of 11 tests, including a 13 percent gain in writing and 14 percent gain in fourth grade math. At New Kent Elementary, eight out of 11 tests exceeded the state average. New Kent Middle School students also showed a…
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Woman with drug problem learns fate in New Kent Circuit Court
A New Kent woman with a history of drug-related problems learned her fate after completing the second of two trials during Monday afternoon court proceedings in New Kent. Samantha Nicole Rigdon, 21, of the 9000 block of Shewsbury Drive, accepted a plea agreement to one count of distributing heroin. One charge of possession of heroin was dropped. Rigdon admitted that on March 18 she sold the substance to an undercover informant. The trial was the second for the defendant, who awaited sentencing from an Aug. 11 trial. During that trial, Rigdon entered guilty pleas to three counts of grand larceny,…
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Benjamin Harrison Bridge to close twice in September
Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced new dates for the closure of the Benjamin Harrison Bridge connecting Charles City and Prince George County to replace the bridge’s auxiliary drive. The bridge’s first closing will be Sept. 8, 7 a.m. to Sept. 12, 8 a.m. and once again will close Sept. 22, 7 a.m. to Sept. 26, 8 a.m. Motorists are advised to take Route 5 westbound from Charles City to Interstate 295 southbound as an alternative route. Drivers may exit onto Route 10 eastbound (exit 13A) to return to Prince George. Travelers may also use the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry in…
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Two Quinton men arrested for drug distribution
Two Quinton men have been arrested on suspicion of distributing drugs in New Kent. Thomas A. Bevis, 21, of the 2600 block of New Kent Highway, and Chancy W. Cummings, 21, of the 9400 block of Sherwood Drive, were arrested in late July. Both suspects were targets in an operation conducted by the Twin Rivers Drug Task Force. Bevis is charged with three counts of distribution of a schedule I or II controlled substance, while Cummings is charged with one count of distribution of a schedule I or II controlled substance. Both men were being held at Henrico Jail East….
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More items stolen from vehicles in Brickshire
More break-ins have occurred at the Brickshire subdivision in New Kent. From Aug. 29-30, several vehicles were entered during the overnight hours. According to the police report, several items were taken from inside. Vehicles entered were unlocked at the time of the theft. New Kent Sheriff’s Office is advising citizens to lock their vehicle doors. If anyone saw a suspicious vehicle or person during the aforementioned date, call the sheriff’s office at 966-9500 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.
Body of New Kent drowning victim recovered
The body of a Providence Forge man has been recovered from the Pamunkey River. New Kent Fire and Rescue pulled the body of William G. Hodges, 68, of the 6300 block of Pocahontas Trail at approximately 8:30 a.m. this morning (Sept. 2). Chief deputy J. Joe McLaughlin Jr. said the victim was not wearing a life vest. Hodges’ body was located 40 yards on the eastern shoreline from the victim’s last known contact with eyewitnesses. McLaughlin said on Aug. 31, Hodges was attempting to start his stalled pontoon boat that became stranded on the Pamunkey River. After two failed attempts,…
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